EDITORIAL: Farmers should tend their market

Some folks in Shrewsbury Township are up in arms over the fate of a farmers' market, but it's hard to understand what all the fuss is about.

The township has served as the sponsor of the market at Shrewsbury Commons Shopping Center since its beginning in 2011, providing a modest budget of $500 and insurance coverage.

That amounts to about $2,000 out of the township's $1.8 million budget, according to Supervisor Susan Fox.

However, the board of supervisors voted 3-2 in February to cut ties with the market, citing concerns over liability and an overall sense the township shouldn't be sponsoring a business.

"I think it's a great idea," said Supervisor Gene Montanarelli, who voted against sponsoring the market. "I just think it's time for them to form a committee and go out on their own

That didn't sit well with Fox, who said she's volunteered as the market's primary organizer.

The vote "virtually shut down the whole farmers' market" for 2013, she said, and urged market supporters and residents to attend the March supervisors meeting.

More than 50 people attended the March 6 meeting.

And amid arguing, shouting and gavel banging, the supervisors voted to uphold their original vote.

Twice.

Afterward, township resident and Maryland farmer Gene Weber -- one of last year's 19 market vendors -- said he and other farmers need such markets to connect to the community and to increase their business.

We can understand that and appreciated the vendors' disappointment.

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But as much as it's a worthy endeavor and a help to growers -- it's not Shrewsbury Township and its taxpayers' responsibility to help them sell their goods.

Is there any other type of business in the township that receives such support?

No, it's not much money -- not to the township, but not to the vendors, either.

If the market doesn't operate this year, it will be because 19 vendors didn't value it enough to cough up little more than $100 apiece and spend some time organizing -- all for their own good.

The township helped plant the seed; it's time for the farmers to tend it.

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